The Sichongxi Hot Spring Festival has officially opened, marking the start of the winter travel season on the Hengchun Peninsula. Pingtung County Government launched the event in Checheng with a parade, performances, and fireworks, attracting visitors to experience the warmth of southern Taiwan’s winter. The festival runs from November 21 to March 1 next year, spanning more than 100 days, making it the longest winter hot spring celebration in Taiwan.

This year’s festival covers both the Sichongxi and Xuhai hot spring areas. The event goes beyond traditional bathing experiences by incorporating art, outdoor activities, light installations, markets, road running, and cycling challenges, offering visitors diverse ways to explore the hot spring towns. The county has also launched integrated bus routes and cruise-style shuttle services to make travel around the peninsula more convenient.

In addition to local events, the Pingtung County Government promoted the festival at the Greater Tainan International Travel Fair under the theme “Warm up your winter in the South,” highlighting the unique charm of southern Taiwan’s winter. The strong interest from visitors shows that the festival has become a major winter tourism brand in southern Taiwan.

With the festival now underway, Pingtung hopes the long-running event will boost local accommodation, dining, and transportation industries, creating a signature winter attraction for the region and allowing visitors to enjoy a warm, southern-style winter unlike that of northern Taiwan.